A Viking Christmas Market Cruise

Wooden booths offering souvenirs during Christmas Market in Prague, Czech Republic (Photo: Rostislav Glinsky/Shutterstock)

The Elbe is a fascinating Viking river cruise Christmas market destination and ideal for anyone who has already traveled on the Rhine. Rising in the Czech Republic and flowing through Germany, the cruise is book-ended by overnight moorings in the respective capital cities of Prague and Berlin. Prague Castle is the world's largest ancient castle and the narrow streets leading down from the stronghold are lined with small shops, which are particularly colorful at Christmas. Medieval Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, with its ornate 600-year-old astronomical clock, provide wonderful backdrops to seasonal markets. Look out for cut glass ornaments, delicate decorations made from straw and try the special Christmas fish soup.

Berlin hosts more than 60 festive markets and the biggest is in central Potsdamer Platz where there's an open-air skating rink. This cruise also showcases Dresden, known as the "Florence of the Elbe" and Meissen where you'll learn about the city's world-famous porcelain.